by As many predicted, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson would enter took over the 2023 NFL Combine. He ranks First among all quarterbacks in height at 6-4 1/4″ and weight (244 pounds), placed first in the 40-yard dash (4.43) and registered a 40.5-inch vertical and 10’9″. -Long jump Yes, these two took first place among all quarterbacks too.
That of the 21-year-old 4.43 40-yard dash was the second-fastest 40-time time recorded by a first-round quarterback at the NFL Combine since 2006. via ESPN. The 10’9″ long jump was also a NFL Combine record for a quarterback. The end result is that Richardson ripped it up and stocked up on his draft stash — so much so that he could go 1st overall next month.
While Richardson has established himself as one of the most intriguing candidates in this class, where would he fit best in the NFL? There’s no doubt he’s a raw quarterback; Would he be best suited to sit for a year or is he a day 1 starter? Below we break down the top 10 potential landing spots that would best suit Richardson.
Former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said this offseason that Indy needs to stop messing around with these veteran quarterbacks and designing their new signal caller, and he’s absolutely right. Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is now in charge, and we saw Jalen Hurts turn the corner when he took over as the play-caller. The Colts may not have the best roster in the NFL, but they do have a solid defense, one of the league’s best running backs in Jonathan Taylor, and a potential No. 1 wideout in Michael Pittman Jr. According to CBS Sports NFL draft pundit Chris Trapasso predicted in a recent mock The Colts rise to #1 overall to select Richardson. It could happen.
Nobody knows what will happen to Lamar Jackson, but it is possible that he will play somewhere else in 2023. If that’s the case, Baltimore needs to reevaluate the most important position in football. While the comparisons to Cam Newton with Richardson were inevitable, he also received some Lamar-esque praise. In fact, Richardson said he had started “Cam Jackson” at the university. No joke.
We know Richardson can lead the ball and he has a cannon for an arm – although that cannon needs a bit of polishing. John Harbaugh was instrumental in developing a quarterback into a enduring MVP contender. Maybe he could do the same for Richardson. At the same time, losing Jackson would result in an automatic demotion.
The Falcons have already decided to part ways with Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder didn’t exactly set the world on fire in Year 1 like the doctor ordered.
For one, Smith is from Tennessee, where he found blueprints for the run. He’s attempting the same thing in Atlanta, putting Tyler Allgeier for 1,000 yards at 4.9 yards per carry in his rookie season. Bringing in a big body like Richardson who is also a fast player would suit this offense. Richardson would also have a former Florida gun to work with in Kyle Pitts and Drake London.
The Panthers have been looking for their new franchise quarterback since parting ways with Newton a few years ago. With Frank Reich in charge now, he will be looking for his new quarterback. After what happened in Indy, he understands how important this decision is.
Reich may be one of the best hires of this coaching cycle. Not only does he understand that his new young defense is the “secret sauce” that can serve as the Panthers’ identity, but he also understands that to be a championship team you have to get the ball rolling. Even without Christian McCaffrey for most of the season, Carolina finished 10th overall on the rushing offense thanks to D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard. Carolina could be an ideal landing spot for a young quarterback whose best football days are yet to come. Also, the Cam Newton comparisons are right there.
The Raiders may not have the best coaching staff in the NFL, but look at their setup on offense. Josh Jacobs is back with franchise tag for 2023, and then Davante Adams and Darren Waller are signed. Yes, the AFC West is probably the toughest division in the NFL, but that’s all the more reason to shoot for the moon with a prospect like Richardson.
OK, listen to me. The Commanders’ identity stays on the defensive side of the ball, and they have a very solid unit led by one of the best defensive lines in the league. Offensively, while Washington makes strides, it still needs to find that franchise quarterback. Richardson could be that guy.
The Commanders have a talented trio of wideouts in Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, two good defensemen in Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson, and now one of the best offensive coordinators in the league in Eric Bieniemy. Things get exciting for the Commanders when they find the right quarterback.
Pete Carroll showed the NFL world last year that he didn’t need Russell Wilson to thrive as the Seahawks made the playoffs while the Denver Broncos didn’t. What I like about this situation in Seattle is that Richardson doesn’t have to play right away. Seattle likes Geno Smith, and the veteran has said things are like that “very good looking” when it comes to a possible contract extension. It’s entirely possible that Richardson will sit for more than a year. Smith gives Seattle that kind of flexibility. The Seahawks are getting better and better in defence, have a young back with enormous potential in Kenneth Walker III and of course DK Metcalf.
The Lions turned the tide last year when Dan Campbell led the franchise to their first winning record since 2017. Detroit was also close to reaching the postseason for the first time since 2016 and is clearly on the right track. Campbell likes Jared Goff, but he’s not the “future” at the position. Richardson can sit behind him, learn from veteran signal caller and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and then take over from Jameson Williams in a year or two.
While probably unlikely, I think the Vikings would be one of the best places for Richardson to land. For one thing, Kevin O’Connell is a young, attacking-minded head coach who has achieved a lot in his first NFL season. The Vikings also have a great running back in Dalvin Cook and arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson. To top it off, Richardson could sit behind Kirk Cousins ​​and then eventually fill in his shoes in what could be a seamless transition.
Daniel Jones reportedly wants to more than $45 million a year? No thank you. How about tagging Jones as a franchise and drafting an even more athletic quarterback that will remind some of former Wyoming gunslinger Josh Allen? We saw what Brian Daboll did to Allen in Buffalo. Perhaps Richardson’s best landing spot is pairing him with reigning NFL Coach of the Year in New York. While I can say that’s not going to happen, it’s pretty exciting to think about. Richardson’s development is paramount when considering where he should end up.
